Treatment Options for Facial Scars

Treatment options for facial scars

When
a wound heals, it may eventually turn into a scar. Facial scars come in
numerous forms and may be caused by injuries, acne, burns, or surgery. Since
your face is constantly exposed to the environment, scars on this part of your
body may have a harder time healing. Whereas you may be able to cover up or
protect other areas of your body while a wound heals, your face is open to the
elements for most of the day. It may not be possible to fully protect wounds on
the face as they heal, and it may be difficult to keep treatments (e.g.,
ointments, creams) from rubbing away. The good news is that if you’re looking
to treat facial scars, you have a lot of options to consider. Read through these
popular methods, and discuss all of the benefits and risks with a
dermatologist.

Dermabrasion

Dermabrasion
is one of the most effective and most popular methods for treating facial
scars. Unlike microdermabrasion kits you can buy at the drugstore, dermabrasion
is performed by a dermatologist. They use a wire brush or a wheel to exfoliate
the top layer of skin on your face.

Some
of the complications of dermabrasion include:

infection

darkening of the skin

redness and swelling

uneven skin tone

Chemical peels

Chemical
peels contain mild acids that are applied in a single layer on the skin. As a
result, the upper layer of skin (epidermis) exfoliates and rolls off, exposing
a new layer of skin.

There
are three types of chemical peel:

Deep peel: This peel uses phenol and is the most common type used for
scars because it gets deeper into the skin.

Medium peel: While also used for discoloration, the glycolic acid in this
peel is most often used for antiaging treatments.

Deep
peels are so intense that, according to the American Society for
Dermatologic Surgery, they can take up to three weeks to heal. Your face will be bandaged,
and the dressings need to be changed several times a day. You may also need to
take antiviral medications to prevent illness.

Chemical
peels are popular skin treatments, so they are widely available. However, for scar
treatment, you should only get a peel from a board-certified dermatologist.

Laser resurfacing

Laser
resurfacing has the same goal as chemical peels and dermabrasion: to remove the
top layer of skin. Unlike acids and tools, laser resurfacing uses high-powered
laser beams for skin removal.

There
are two types: erbium and carbon dioxide laser resurfacing. While erbium is the
safest method for the face, carbon dioxide appears to be the most effective in treating
scars. Once you leave the doctor’s office, you will need to keep the area
bandaged until it completely heals.

Exploring plastic surgery

Plastic
surgery is another treatment option. Unlike the procedures listed earlier,
surgery is a more invasive process in which the scar tissue is surgically
removed or altered with a scalpel. Depending on your goals and the severity of
the scar, your doctor may remove the scar or the epidermis or even move the
scar to minimize its appearance. Unlike the other treatment options, you may
need to see a plastic surgeon instead of a dermatologist for this procedure. Always
look for a board-certified surgeon with a proven record of success with plastic
surgery for facial scars.

Home remedies

Home
remedies are considered a more affordable and less invasive way to treat facial
scars. Many of these remedies are already available in your pantry or medicine
cabinet. The following are some options:

Minimizing and preventing scars

Treating
skin wounds can help minimize or even prevent scars from occurring in the first
place. If you have a wound or cut on your face, make sure you keep it clean. Applying
petroleum jelly or Vaseline to the wound can help keep it moist and prevent
scab formation. It is not necessary to apply topical antibiotics, like
Neosporin, because simply washing the wound with mild soap and water is
sufficient.

Wearing
sunscreen can help minimize the appearance of scars once they have healed. By
applying sunscreen to your face every day, you can prevent a scar from turning
brown or red from sun exposure. In some cases, sunscreen can even help scars
fade. Make sure to use SPF 30 or higher.

Takeaways

Numerous
treatments are available for facial scars, but the ultimate choice depends on
your budget, risks, and the type of scar you have. It’s important to work
closely with your dermatologist to determine the best option for you. It’s also
important to bear in mind that most scars are permanent. Though a given
treatment might significantly reduce a scar’s appearance, it may not remove the
scar entirely.

Once
a wound has turned into a scar, it’s not likely to worsen. If the area begins
to itch, turn red, or grow, see your doctor right away.

Content licensed from:

Written by: Kristeen CherneyMedically reviewed
on: Jul 10, 2016: University of Illinois-Chicago, College of Medicine

This feature is for informational purposes only and should not be used to replace the care and information received from your health care provider. Please consult a health care professional with any health concerns you may have.